The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-01-30


has had a great deal of trouble of late, and In
thinking of him forgot myself"
She bowed an adeu and was gone At that
moment Mr.. Berthold re-entered the room with
a handful of manuscripts aid to the pro-
posed work. and began writing his statement.
This, however, he found much more difficult
than ne had anticipated and it finally ended in
his stating the facts to Norway, who, at his op
ton. wrote them out Under the skillful ma
nipulation of his thoughts the whole affair was
so gracefully presented that the old gentleman
was delighted.
~ wonder if Amos will get ahead OF that7n he
said, rubbing his hands in agreeable reflection.
'If NAV offer a suggestion" said Norway, Il
will propose that you allow me to submit this
paper to Mr.. Amos Berthold for his inspection
'.What forQr said Mr.. Berthold, sharply and
suspiciously. He looked at Norway moment
and finding nothing but frankness and truth IN
the gaze he met, reflected a moment, then said:
well, you may. l think trust him. A
Berthold never was known to do mean act
You're good fellow, he added. holding out his
hand to Norway, as the latter rose to go. II am
glad you came Let me have your card. Ishall
hope to meet you again"
Half an hour later Norway stood again before
Mr. Amos Bertholds door, but under what diff
| ferent auspices than formerly! Now be came
| conqueror. This time Mr.. Berthold did not re-
| fuse to see him, partly from curiosity aroused
| by his strange, prophetic speech as he had taken
| his departure on his former visit, and partly
! from a eense of uneasness therefrom.
$50 you are here again" he said, testify.
| Yes sir. have come from your brother who
| has written a statement, which he instructed
me to submit to you for your approval.
s'He said that did he2" said the old gentleman.
| with a gasp of surprise he mechanically took
the paper held out to him. and perused it care
| fully His face softened as he read and as he
| finished he admitted that it was fairly written,
| and except few minor Details just to both
| sides.
"Hezekiah always was good square fellow"
| Norway heard him say half under his BREATH
/ "Ill 60 and see him"
The old gentleman shook hands very heartily
| with Norway at parting and even apologized for
| his former harsh treatment; though he declared
| that it was hard lines when man had to tell, OF
| his own accord, his own secrets against his will.
The Berthold affair, after the publication of
the statement, faded out of peoples minds, there
being further food for curiosity. People
reading it and finding nothing sensational, as
they had expected, said. us that all2' with a
| yawn, and straiehtway forgot all about it; and
| about that time the brothers were reconciled
| AS for Norway, he became more and more valu-
able to the Pro and Con as time passed, especial
| ~ as Mr.. Thornes health failed, and ne was
| obliged to take years travel abroad. Norway
filled the vacancy caused by his absence, and
| scraps Of able and facetious editorials began to
be extensively quoted and misquoted throughout
the country from his pen. Society, too smiled
upon the young journalist: and one day he re-
ceived an invitation to dine at Mr.. Hezekiah
Berthold's. Miss Berthold was, Of course,
present. and 1t CHANGED that he wa was
|
Afterward they strolled into the conservatory to
look at a new variety of cactus which was then
In blossom; but, by the time they reached that
charming retreat, they had forgotten the cactus
They even laughed the circumstances OF
their former meetng, when Norway had called
in the guse of a wise enemy; though Miss Ber
thold frankly confessed that the subject was q
painful one to her.
Il can never forget the unceremonious way
addressed you that day. she said. "Of course
it was rude, you utter stranger to me-
and when I think Of that ridiculous dialogue
which was the lnstigator Of"
'Do not think of It," said Norway.
Impossible. | have to think of it," said Miss
Berthod peevshly.
But" said Norway. 'sif I could prove to yor
that / was not utter stranger. and that w
were. or should have been old acquaintances
having met seven years ago, would that make
any difference?"
sit might. But, then, 1t isn't spf'
eyes, 1t is quite true. Have you recol
lection of me! I did not find it difficult to re
member you. although l think you have changed
more than have"
s'Seven years ago." said Miss Berthon, in
? tone of wonder. Why, / was mere schoo
, girl: and-let me see--I was ct home for vaca
tion when-"
, flush swift and deep caused her face TO out
rival the red roses at her side, as she pause
. with sudden recollection. She looked u
, shyly. and something in her face told Norwa
that they would hereafter be friends. She he'll
out her hand, saying softly:
1T was on the night of the fire."